Situated between Antalya and Alanya, on a small peninsula on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, Side (pronounced 'see day') has something for everyone, making it the perfect holiday destination. A holiday in Side can be exactly what you want, whether that is watersports, admiring ancient history, golfing, clubbing or simply relaxing and enjoying the climate.
Side enjoys 300 days of sunshine each year, with the temperature remaining comfortable all year round. In May it is possible to ski in the nearby Toros mountains in the morning and swim in the Mediterranean in the afternoon. The 2 long and sandy beaches which flank Side offer plenty of space for sunbathing and watersports. The one to the East runs virtually uninterrupted from Side to to Alanya, some 50kms away
| Once the secret hideaway of Anthony and Cleopatra, Side is one of the best-known classical sites in Turkey. It was an ancient harbour whose name meant pomegranate. The old town of Side lies on a promontory 300 meters wide and 800 metres long. Despite tourism, where new meets old Side still remains the most unique and charming resort on Turkey's southern coast. As you walk from the top of Side high street to the harbour, which was once a small fishing port, you can look down the small side streets to see the sea on either side of you. Side old town has retained many of its' old features, including its' architecture and archeological sites. Almost everywhere you look there are ancient monuments, some of them built into the fabric of current day Side. |
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Take a wander around Side's Roman amphitheatre and admire the history. If you keep your eyes open you may see one of the wild tortoises which live in this area, or spot a lizard darting into a hole in the rocks. Meander around the picturesque harbour and before long you will arrive at Apollo's Temple, one of the most instantly recognisable landmarks in Side. Relax with a drink or a meal at one of the small bars and restaurants near here and enjoy the often spectacular sunset. |
Side is not the only place of historical interest in the area, there is also plenty at Aspendos and Perge. 4kms from Side is the town of Manavgat, where you will find a wide range of shops and other services. The Manavgat River boasts many beautiful areas along its' banks, the waterfalls are not high but make up for that with a spectacular setting and plenty of water volume. Follow the river away from the sea and you will enter a National Park, the road leading eventually to the dam which took 20 years to build.
If you want a more dynamic holiday, there are plenty of watersports centres around Side, where you can try scuba diving or water skiing, even parascending. At the end of the day try out one of the nightclubs where you can sometimes see international bands..
There is too much to see and do in and around Side to list here, I hope
this brief introduction has whetted your appetite for more.